A new application for an existing technology

To quickly understand how spray foam insulation works, you can do this simple test with your kitchen freezer or home hot water heater. Place your hand on the side of either one of these items. The inside temperature of your freezer is most likely set to zero degrees, while hot water heaters have an internal temperature range of between 120 and 160 degrees. In either case, you can safely place your hand on the outside of both items without fear of injury. Additionally, there is no condensation on the outside of the freezer or hot water heater, signifying no loss of temperature from the inside out – frozen items stay frozen, and the hot water remains hot.

This is all because of closed cell polyurethane foam insulation. The average freezer has one inch of closed cell polyurethane foam insulation between the inside freezer wall and appliance housing. The same holds true for hot water heaters. Based on these applications, imagine the benefits, comfort and cost savings you would see immediately by using spray foam insulation in your home or business.

A more detailed description

Polyurethane spray foam comes in either open-cell or closed-cell forms. The choice you make in product type can make a big difference when it comes to cost, application methods, and performance.

In open-cell foam, the tiny cells of the foam are not completely closed. They are broken and air fills all of the “open” space inside the material. This makes the foam weaker or softer feeling than closed-cell foam. Closed-cell foam differs in that all of its tiny foam cells are closed and packed together. They are filled with a gas that helps the foam rise and expand and become a greater insulator. These cells can be formulated to obtain many characteristics, the most common being size and density.

The advantages of closed-cell foam over open-cell foam include its strength, a higher R-value, and a greater resistance to the leakage of air or water vapor. The disadvantage of the closed-cell foam is that it is denser, requires more material, and therefore, is more expensive. Even though it has a better R-value, typically the cost per R is still higher than open-cell foam. The choice of foam can also be based on the requirements for the other performance or application specific characteristics such as strength, vapor control, available space, etc. Open-cell SPF has an R-value around 3.5 per inch and typically uses water as the blowing agent. Closed-cell SPF has an R-value of around 6.0 per inch (aged R-value) and uses high R-value blowing agents.

To learn more about the advantages of spray foam insulation, or set up a consultation, feel free to call us 706.745.8685.

What We Use

Southeast Spray Foam endorses and uses polyurethane spray foam products manufactured and distributed by Gaco Western. Since 1955, Gaco Western has manufactured exceptional waterproofing and insulating products. This family-owned company was built on three fundamental principles: superior products; sold by experts; at competitive prices. Today, Gaco Western coatings and spray foam insulation cover millions of square feet of commercial and residential buildings. They have earned a reputation and trust in the construction industry as a producer of top-quality waterproof coatings and insulation products.

GacoGreen 052 WallFoam

GacoGreen 052 WallFoam is a water-blown, spray-applied system that cures to a semi-rigid very low-density foam. In-place density ranges from 0.45 – 0.55 lb/ft3.The cured product is dimensionally stable in all weather conditions and its insulating properties do not significantly diminish over time. GacoGreen is safe for the environment, containing no CFC’s, HCFC’s, HFC’s, formaldehyde or ozone depleting chemicals. GacoGreen 052 is a Class I fire rated foam andmeets the requirements of ICC-ES AC377 Acceptance Criteria for Foam Plastic Insulation.

GacoFireStop® 5500

GacoFireStop® 5500 is the the first single-application, open-cell spray foam insulation of its kind that requires no additional ignition barrier. GacoFireStop® 5500 is a water blown spray-applied system that cures to a semi-rigid low density foam. In-place density is approximately 0.6 lb/ft3. The cured product is dimensionally stable in all weather conditions and its insulating properties do not significantly diminish over time. GacoFireStop® 5500 is safe for the environment, containing no CFC’s, HCFC’s, formaldehyde or ozone depleting chemicals. It is a Class I fire rated foam, meets the requirements of AC377 Appendix X for use in attic and crawl spaces without an additional ignition barrier, and is certified by IAPMO ESR-0233.

Gaco Western WallFoam 183M

Gaco Western WallFoam 183M is an HFC-blown (zero ozone-depleting) liquid spray system that cures to a medium-density rigid polyurethane insulation material. Gaco WallFoam 183M contains polyols derived from naturally renewable oils, post-consumer recycled plastics, and pre-consumer recycled materials. Gaco WallFoam 183M does not contain CFC’s, HCFC’s or other gases harmful to the environment. This system can be sprayed on clean, dry substrates down to 35°F (2°C). Gaco WallFoam 183M is a class I fire rated foam that meets the requirements of ICC-ES AC377 Acceptance Criteria for Foam Plastic Insulation. Gaco WallFoam183M also meets the requirements of AC377 Appendix X for use in attic and crawl spaces without an additional ignition barrier.